Video Clip and the Copyright “Fair Use” Analysis

A recent (March 2013) opinion by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (covering the West Coast and many of the Western states) provides an excellent analysis of U.S. copyright law and the “fair use” defense, often misunderstood by filmmakers and users of copyright protected content.

The Four SeasonsIn SOFA Entertainment, Inc., v. Dodger Productions, Inc., the plaintiff, SOFA Entertainment, held the copyright to The Ed Sullivan Show, Ed Sullivan being the iconic maker of music and entertainment careers in the 50’s and 60’s. Continue reading... “Video Clip and the Copyright “Fair Use” Analysis”